The World Habitat Day is celebrated annually on the 3rd of October with an aim of focusing on human settlements and the basic rights of every human to adequate shelter.
This day also aims at reminding people that they are responsible for the habitat of the future generations. The world is reminded that we all have the power and responsibility to shape the future.
Every year, World Habitat Day is celebrated in a host city, where members give speeches and presentations. They reflect and highlight the issues faced by people across the world.
There is usually a particular focus on urban areas and those who are homeless.
United Nations General Assembly promoted the idea that everyone deserves a decent place to live by designating the first Monday in October as the World Habitat Day.
With The theme of the World Habitat Day in 2022 being ‘’Mind the Gap .Leave No One and Place Behind,’’ the day looks at the problem of growing inequality and challenges in cities and human settlements
This year’s World Habitat Day seeks to draw attention to the growing inequalities that have been aggravated by the triple ‘C’ crises that is, covid 19,climate and conflict.
World Habitat Day was established in 1985 by the UN General Assembly and was first celebrated in 1986 with the theme “Shelter is my Right “Nairobi City was the host for the observance of the day that year.
Other celebrated themes include that have been celebrated include “Shelter for the Homeless” (1987, New York); “Shelter and Urbanization” (1990, London); “Future Cities” (1997, Bonn); “Safer Cities” (1998, Dubai); “Women in Urban Governance” (2000, Jamaica); “Cities without Slums” (2001, Fukuoka), “Water and Sanitation for Cities” (2003, Rio de Janeiro), “Planning our Urban Future” (2009, Washington, D.C.), “Better City, Better Life” (2010, Shanghai, China) and Cities and Climate Change (2011, Aguascalientes, Mexico).
Over the years, urbanization has shown swift growth. People have moved from the rural areas to the urban areas in search of jobs and better living standards.
In spite of the major developments that occur in the cities, lack of planning acts as a menace, creating uncertainty to many of the urban residents.
With an aim of curbing this menace, the United Nations General Assembly created and passed a resolution to celebrate World Habitat Day every year on the first Monday of October.
Several countries celebrate this day, partnering with global and national organizations to examine how urbanization affects human habitats.
The best way to celebrate the World Habitat Day is through raising awareness, supporting local housing initiatives and by volunteering in habitat building initiatives.
BY STACY ODHIAMBO